Tropical Y-straps – Leather backstrap with late wire hook

Y-straps with auxiliary straps or “Koppeltragegestell aus Leder mit Hilfstrageriemen” was first introduced in April 1939. Meant to distribute the weight of the equipment evenly, the Y-straps where a important part of the equipment. In April 1940 the official name was changed to “Koppeltragegestell für Infanterie” Even though it was introduced in 1939 it only saw widespread use from 1941 onwards. Also in that year the first “tropical” Y-straps where introduced, they stayed in production until the end of the war. As the war further progressed the Y-straps underwent many minor changes ever simplifying the production.

Markings: hey 43 on the O ring cover and RBNr. 0/0390/0204
Maker: –
Year: 1943-1945
Hardware: Coated steel, non hinged front hooks, wire rear hook
Notes: Canvas Y-straps like these are called ” Tropical ” as it is thought that’s the initial reason of the utilization of the material. They where introduced together with other canvas uniforms and equipment meant for the Deutsches Afrika Korps. After that they kept producing these until 1945. The rear part of this Y-strap is made of leather with a late war hook.